Alright! So here is the first Revan/Shepard one-shot! This was my beta's favourite one so it got edited first, ha ha.
The setting is pretty much ancient Greece, the gods are different and nobody realkly freaks out at a female General. But other than that, they are the same.
Shepard is the goddess of death and admires Revan, a renowned warrior and general, from afar. A challenge makes her try to win the mortal over. Will she be successful?!
Characters may be a bit OOC, but I don't think too bad.
Enjoy!
(Check out my tumblr if you want to know what other one-shots are in the works. Same user name as here.)
It wasn't often that the god of the dead got time to herself, but as of late, whenever she did have a free moment, it was always spent the same way. She sat in her throne of obsidian, staring at the beautifully crafted silver and gold mirror, a gift from the god of the forges and omens, and her best friend, Garrus.
Most people would think such a bright and beautiful creation would look out of place in the hall of the goddess of death. But contrary to most mortal stories, the goddess actually kept her realm bright and rather beautiful. After all, for most, death should not be a punishment. The after life was meant to be enjoyed. It was a place where the mortals could finally set aside their worldly concerns and live out eternity in comfort. Unless of course they were absolute bastards. But there was a special place for them.
The hall of the goddess was lit brightly with torches, bathing it in a warm, comforting glow. The walls were not some dreary or foreboding black, but rather warm tones of green and blue. Although with her latest obsession, those close to the goddess noted that she had started to favour black and silver as her preferred colours.
And just what was the goddess's latest obsession? Well that was precisely what she watched in the mirror. The mirror could show her any being in creation, mortal or god. After all, with her job, she rarely got to visit the other gods much, never mind ever visiting a mortal. Yet with the vast abilities of the mirror, it only ever showed a single individual.
The goddess sat in her throne, a smile on her face as she watched the mirror. It reflected one of her favourite sights. The woman stood in the dawn's light, resplendent in her blackened armour. Her bronze skin glowed in the warm morning light, her strong arms rippled with muscles as her left hand gripped her spear tightly, while the other rested on the pommel of a sheathed blade. Her dark brown, almost black hair was tied into a long braid, coming out of the bottom of her helmet. The goddess actually preferred the mortal's hair unbound. Her grey, almost silver eyes stared out from her helmet.
She smiled as she watched the mortal walk towards the front of the battle line her soldiers had formed. She moved with a deadly grace, one that only whispered at the incredible power and skill she possessed. The goddess knew the power this mortal possessed, a power that was wholly hers. No divine intervention had ever aided her. Yet the goddess, and many others suspected she was capable of besting even the war god himself in single combat. Not that Saren would ever admit that, being the grumpy bastard he was.
The goddess watched with rapt attention, unconsciously licking her lips as the mortal took her position at the head of the army. This was always her favourite part. Well, second favourite. Watching the mortal in battle was incredible. The way she moved, how her muscles contracted, unleashing their power. The mortal weaved a dance of death that was awe inspiring. Many denizens in the afterlife had been sent to her by this very mortal.
"Shepard!" A booming voice echoed across the hall, accompanied with a blinding flash and the sound of metal striking metal.
The goddess glared at the visitor, her annoyance flaring. "What the shit do you want Garrus?!" Normally she would be excited to see her brother and best friend, but the good part was just about to happen!
Anybody else would have shrunk back at her biting tone, but that god of the forge just laughed. "Not interrupting am I?" His bright blue eyes sparkled with amusement.
"I'll feed your stupid ass to Cerberus!" Shepard growled, retuning her attention to the mirror. The signal to charge was just being given, she couldn't waste any more time.
Garrus just laughed in response. Completely unthreatened, he ascended to the goddess's throne, looking into the mirror, a knowing grin coming onto his face.
"I should have known," he chuckled softly, looking back to his sister, whose eyes never wavered from the screen.
"What do you want?" she asked absentmindedly—almost all of her attention was still devoted to watching the mirror. The two armies had clashed and now the mortal was weaving her deadly dance. She was a blur of speed. No blade could touch her, she moved like the wind. Nor could any shield protect from her, she had the strength of a tiger.
"You know, I gave you this mirror so you could see the world, not just watch a single mortal."
"At least I do things besides reorganizing my forge."
"Better than pining after some mortal," Garrus muttered under his breath.
"I am not pining!" Shepard jumped up from her throne, her voice indignant as she started at her fellow god.
"How many times have you watched her bathe?" Garrus had a knowing grin on his lips.
The goddess of death sputtered, her cheeks filling with heat as she tried to insist she had done so such thing. But it was a lie. Nothing could compare with seeing the mortal's bare skin shining in the moonlight. And Shepard had seen the goddess of beauty naked!
"I will kick your ass!" Shepard growled, stepping closer to the laughing god.
"Calm down." Garrus reined in his laughing, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I'm not judging. You have good taste." He looked at her with a friendly smile. "She is an incredible woman. She's all the talk on Olympus. Apparently Saren actually appeared before her and offered her his blessings. She turned him down flat."
"Really?" Shepard couldn't help but grin at that image. The god of war could use with a bit of humbling now and then. "That's what Joker is saying anyway. You know how nosey he is, probably watched the whole thing. Apparently she said she didn't need his blessings and challenged him to a duel to prove it."
"What did he say?" Shepard struggled to speak through her bubbling laughter.
"He ran away."
The laughter broke free, both gods howling in amusement at the image of the ever grumpy god of war running from a mortal. He would never live that down. Shepard hated that she hadn't been watching the mortal during that meeting.
After a few moments the two finally regained control of themselves. Shepard glanced at the mirror, it still showed the battle. The mortal was covered in the blood of her enemies, but it did nothing to detract from her beauty. She weaved under swords, cutting down all who didn't immediately flee from her.
"Have you ever even spoken to her?" Garrus asked, his voice sounding sincere this time.
"You think I should?" Shepard glanced back to her fellow god. She didn't often appear in the mortal realm, unless she absolutely had to. Her mischief was confined to her fellow divines. After all, they were far more amusing to mess with. Although this mortal was fairly serious herself.
"Unless you're scared of her." Garrus grinned, knowing exactly how the goddess would respond.
"Watch and learn bird brain." Shepard returned his grin before disappearing in a swirl of darkness.
Revan picked her way through the battlefield. It had been a good fight today. They triumphed with minimal casualties. The barbarians would think twice before raiding again. Assuming of course that Revan decided not to wipe them all out in retribution.
Revan froze as the area around her suddenly darkened, then before her very eyes, there was a swirl of shadows. When it cleared a woman stood a few feet away. She wore a bright red dress with black highlights. Her fiery orange hair shone brightly in the sunlight as it returned. A large grin stretched across her full lips. The woman radiated power, it was unnerving but also somehow warm and inviting.
"Good harvest today mortal!" the woman said cheerily.
"Who are you?" Revan placed her hands on the pommels of her blades—she had lost her spear in the fight. Her instincts told her this woman was dangerous, but the woman's demeanour was far from threatening.
"Oh you mortals have so many names for me, I forget most of them." The woman chuckled, it was a warm sound. "My friends call me Shepard! That is my job after all, to shepard all the mortals who pass on to my realm."
"You are the lady of death?" Revan asked dubiously. She had envisioned the goddess of the underworld to be…well not this warm, cheerful person standing before her.
"I know right?" Shepard laughed again, it was a sound that could make birds sing. Despite herself, Revan found herself enjoying the sound. "Everyone expects me to be this dour old lady. Oh well!" She practically skipped forward, completely uncaring for the blood and bodies littering the ground, a grin on her face. "I'll be busy for hours because of your work today."
Revan didn't respond, she wasn't quite sure how to. She had only met one god before and that was the god of war. Frankly, she had thought he was an ass. He actually thought she needed his blessings to be the greatest warrior in the world? She would earn that title all on her own. But this woman…this goddess…well Revan didn't know what to think.
She was beautiful, there was no denying that. Between her sunny smile, beautiful laugh, and rather stunning body—which was perfectly highlighted by her dress—Revan was rather enamoured. But she was still wary. This was a god after all, and she must have some kind of agenda here.
"But that's okay," Shepard continued, not caring about the lack of response. "Like I said, I'm a fan." She looked away from the bodies and back at Revan, a smirk on her lips. Emerald green eyes sparkled with mischief. "I've been watching you for a while."
"Why?" Revan didn't relax her posture or let go of her blades. She still had no idea what the goddess's motivations were here. If anything she was growing a little annoyed with this exchange. She preferred far more direct communication.
"Well you are rather beautiful." Shepard still grinned, her eyes roving over Revan's body, slowly devouring her. "I can't wait for you to wash all that blood off." Her grin became predatory now.
Revan stiffened. This goddess…she watched her? Even while she was bathing?! Revan growled as she unsheathed her blades, pointing one in the direction of the death goddess. She refused to be some god's personal joke!
"Oh are we gonna fight?!" Shepard looked excited at the very prospect. "I'd love to get you all sweaty. Although my way is much more fun." That predatory smirk returned and the goddess took a step closer.
Revan growled again, lunging forward, one blade swinging high while the other struck low at a different angle. It would be impossible to avoid both attacks, not with the speed and power she possessed. Of course she wasn't attacking a mortal.
Shepard vanished in another swirl of shadows, ensuring Revan's blades only sliced through air. An instant later she felt a powerful presence behind her, a surprisingly warm body pressed against her back and a voice whispered in her ear.
"Oh I love it when you get all passionate like that." Shepard's hot breath tickled hear ear, almost causing the general to shudder. But she had always been strong willed.
Revan threw her elbow backwards as she twisted, spinning one blade in her hand to thrust it backwards while the other moved to slice the goddess's neck. But once more, she disappeared in a flurry of shadows. This time however, Revan was prepared. She had only half committed to the attacks. She stopped halfway through, redirecting them her strikes.
Her attacks never connected though as both her hands became trapped in a vice like grip. Warm, soft hands curled around her wrists. Her eyes locked with that of the goddess's. Those bright emeralds were still dancing with amusement, a smirk on her full lips.
"Mmm, I'd hoped to get this close to you," Shepard whispered, her voice husky. Her eyes looked down to Revan's lips, her grin getting bigger before she slowly leaned in.
Revan growled as she threw her head forward. She would not be some god's plaything! She slammed her forehead into the goddess's nose. She may have gotten better results headbutting a wall. The force knocked her back, causing her to fall flat on her back with a loud thud and a groan.
Her vision became spotty as she began blinking hard, trying to fight through the indescribable pain that pounded through her skull. When her vision cleared she moved her hands from her face, looking up to see the goddess staring down at her, face lit up in amusement.
"Want me to kiss it better?" Her grin turned into laughter as Revan attempted to sweep her legs, causing the goddess to disappear then reappear in a different location. "Don't worry, I'll kiss other places too."
Revan growled as she launched herself at the goddess again. This time when she disappeared, she did not reappear. The mortal swore an oath that she would kill that damned woman if she ever showed her face again.
Back in the underworld, Garrus was watching the mirror, howling with laughter.
Revan walked through the training ground, casting her critical eye over the recruits as they ran through their various drills. It technically wasn't her job to do this, but she liked to ensure everything was running to her standards. She couldn't afford to let any training slip. She was pleased that nothing was out of place.
As she patrolled the grounds she caught side of a shock of fiery hair, causing her feet to freeze mid-step and her head to snap in the direction she had seen it. But she saw only soldiers training, overseen by diligent officers.
Revan shook her head and continued on. It had been a trick of the light, nothing more. She had been on edge the past few days. Ever since that bloody goddess had shown up she hadn't been able to relax. She always felt like she was being watched now. It had taken three days to actually bathe again, although now she did it with a permanent glare. But the goddess had not shown up again, Revan hoped she had simply lost interest, like the fickle creature she was.
She paused in her inspection, speaking with several of the training officers. They gave detailed reports of the newest recruits and their progress in training. Revan was in the middle of her reply when behind the officers, she saw her.
Shepard stood there, waving with a grin on her face. She was wearing the garb of one of the many recruits, but Revan would recognize that damn grin anywhere. She felt her rage boil over as she pushed past the officers and stormed over to the recruit.
"You must have a death wish!" Revan growled, gripping both her blades tightly.
"General?" One of the officers asked, they had followed her over. A glance back at them showed their confused expressions.
Revan turned back to the infuriating goddess, only to find her gone. In her place stood a terrified looking recruit. His brown eyes were wide with fear and his voice quivered as he offered a thousand apologies.
"Get back to training," Revan muttered, reining in her fury. She knew what she had seen. That damn woman was playing tricks on her now!
The recruit scampered away and she turned back to the officers, demanding they continued with the report. Hesitantly they complied. She wasn't about to explain to them what had just happened. How could she? As the officers spoke, once more, over their shoulders she saw the goddess, smiling and waving happily.
Revan felt her eyes twitch in irritation. Her jaw clenched so tightly she thought it may break. Her officers continued the report, but their voices became ever more hesitant, they were not oblivious to their generals growing anger. But every time they looked over their shoulders, where her furious glare was directed, they saw nothing.
The moment the reports were done, Revan stomped off back to her quarters. If this goddess wanted to continue to taunt her then she would have to do it privately. In a place were Revan could cut off her damn head!
If she hadn't witnessed the goddess's powers first hand, Revan wouldn't believe this woman was who she claimed. The goddess of the dead was always portrayed as a cold and stoic figure. One who oversaw the dead with a critical hand. She was a figure to be both feared and respected. Frankly, Revan preferred that version.
Reality was nothing short of infuriating. Sure the woman may have been devastatingly beautiful. But she was also arrogant, like all the gods. She thought she could simply claim Revan as though she had some kind of right?! She was also impossibly infuriating!
When Revan made it back to her estate, the servants all gave her a wide birth. It wasn't often they saw their ever cold and calm master in such a state, but the few times had been more than enough of a lesson. It wasn't until she had almost neared her room that one finally dared to approach her.
"My lady, you return again. The delivery arrived in your absence. We placed it in your room as you requested."
Revan froze, she spun to face the head of her servants. "What?"
"The…" the man swallowed thickly before continuing. "The delivery you informed us about…you returned shortly after your departure to inform us it would be arriving. We placed it in your room as you requested."
Revan felt her eyes twitch once more in anger. That audacious bitch! Now she was impersonating Revan herself?! Without another word she turned and stormed into her room, eyes blazing with fury as they took in the newest addition to her simple and orderly room.
A massive statue of the goddess of death now occupied the center of her room, sitting right at the foot of her bed. But that wasn't even the worst part. Laying right in the middle of her bed, stretched out as though she owned it, wearing only a tantalizingly short black and silver dress, was the goddess herself.
"Welcome home," Shepard said, her voice bright, but containing trace amounts of lust. "I've been waiting for you." She arched her back in a stretch, pushing her well showcased breasts out for an even greater view.
"Get out," Revan growled, drawing both her swords. She swore she would kill this damn goddess if it was the last thing she did. This was her home! Her room! Her sanctuary from the rest of the world! She would not allow anyone to claim it, especially not some goddess who thought she was entitled to it.
"Oh, but your bed is so comfortable." Shepard let out a loud moan as she stretched, this time she had rolled onto her front, her back arching, sending her ass into the air. Her dress barely covering it, but revealing the creamy white expanse of her smooth legs. Revan would deny with her last breath that her eyes even so much as flicked over their length, much less lingered.
"See something you like?" Shepard purred, holding her position far longer than necessary. Her eyes sparkled, matching the smirk on her face. "I know you do." The smirk got even bigger and Shepard wiggled her hips.
"You don't know me," Revan spat, her anger reaching dangerous levels. The arrogance of this goddess was infuriating.
"Not as well as I would like to." The smirk fell away and was replaced with…a smile. A genuine smile. It lit up not only the goddess's face, but the entire room. It actually caused Revan to falter, her anger forgotten as she got lost in the warmth of that look.
The goddess disappeared in that familiar swirl of shadows, appearing directly behind Revan. One hand was at Revan's hip, tugging at a buckle on her armour. The other, warm, and oh so soft hand, was on her bicep, slowly and gently running down her arm. The contact caused a pleasant heat to surge through Revan's body. She felt the goddess's hot breath on her neck as the woman pressed her lips to Revan's ear. Not even after a thousand years of torture would Revan admit to having had to repress a shudder of pleasure at the sensations.
"Let's start by getting you out of this armour." That teasing tone was back and she could feel the goddess smirk.
In an instant Revan felt her rage return. Using all the speed she possessed, she spun, her blades not even blurring they moved so fast to slice through the arrogant goddess. Revan felt herself grin when the goddess didn't disappear in time, her blades connected…and snapped the moment they struck the goddess.
"Come now," the goddess chuckled. "Surely you didn't think mortal weapons could harm me." Her hands darted forward and snatched the broken swords from Revan's hands and tossed them away. "Now that those are gone, lets move on to the armour." Her predatory smirk was back, but Revan barely noticed it.
She stared at the broken blades laying on the ground. Anger and a shocking amount of sorrow began to overwhelm her. She couldn't control her voice when she shouted.
"Get out." She knew her voice was quivering with emotion, she would hate herself for that later. Right now she couldn't control it.
"Come now, I—"
"Get out!" Revan's voice betrayed her, cracking and showing all the emotions that were storming through her.
The goddess gave her a surprised look, taking a step back. Revan used that momentum to shove the god. Maybe she could shove her out the window and she would crack her fucking skull on the road. The goddess actually stumbled back a step. She opened her mouth to speak but Revan didn't give her the chance.
"I said get the fuck out!" She was visibly shaking with rage as she shouted, her hands clenched into tight fists. She didn't care if it would break her hands, she was close to pummeling this bitch's face.
The goddess stared at her for a moment, confusion on her face. But then, finally, she disappeared in a swirl of shadows and Revan was left alone. She let out a shaky breath, trying to calm herself. She bent down and retrieved the pieces of her broken swords with trembling hands. Letting out a heavy sigh, still filled with emotion, she dropped down onto her bed, still staring at the shards. There was nobody left alive who could re-forge the blades. They were gone forever.
Shepard sat at the head of the massive table. Her usually bright and happy demeanour was now dark and foreboding, making the entire room shift to reflect her mood. Light never seemed to travel far before it was devoured by the shadows, and there was a deathly chill to the air.
Everyone could sense the goddess's mood. If it wasn't apparent enough by the room itself, it was shown by how she sat with her chin resting on her hand, a frown etched on her face while her eyes stared off into the distance. The normally lively conversation was almost nonexistent. What was usually a friendly and warm welcoming party and celebration for the newest arrived spirits to the underworld, was now the dreary, and uncomfortable, affair everyone always thought it was.
But Shepard didn't really care, she barely even noticed anyone around her. She couldn't stop thinking about her last encounter with Revan. It had been three days and her current mood had been constant the entire time. She wasn't sure what had caused the other woman to react so negatively.
Sure, she was used to experiencing anger and annoyance from Revan. But what she had seen in the mortal's room…that was different. Sure, Revan had looked and sounded angry, but there had been and shocking amount of pain and sorrow entering into her voice. If Shepard didn't know better, she'd say the woman had looked like she was about to cry.
Shepard had been wracking her brain, trying to figure out what she had done so wrong. She knew it had something to do with those swords, but couldn't figure out why. The woman could just have them re-forged, or get all new ones. She was incredibly wealthy, she could have some of the best blades made by mortal hands. So what was the issue here?
She had thought about asking some of the other gods, as they were bound to know more about Revan. Shepard herself rarely paid attention to the mortal world and it had only been recently that she had started to watch Revan. But her best chance for information would be Saren, and she didn't want to talk to that prick.
Shepard sighed, her eyes finally refocusing on the party before her. Although that word was being quite generous. Almost nobody was talking and they were all sitting stiffly, nervously shifting in their chairs. She knew it was her fault. She sighed again before disappearing in a whirlwind of shadows, not even bothering to excuse herself. The party would be better off without her.
She usually loved those parties. It was so nice seeing all the new faces, watching them interact with those who had already passed on. Friends, families, and lovers reuniting. It was a wonderful affair. It was at those parties that she had first learned of Revan. A group of soldiers had been talking, sharing stories of their exploits, and their deaths. All of them had died at Revan's hands.
At first, Shepard had thought nothing of it. There had always been great warriors among the mortals. But over time, she had become curious. The sheer volume of stories told about Revan were staggering. Those she had killed were almost uncountable. Even those souls spoke of the woman with a begrudging respect. The stories told by soldiers who had fought under Revan were nothing short of epics. The woman inspired a fierce, almost fanatical loyalty. Her soldiers would, and in many cases had, followed her to their deaths. Yet none of them regretted it.
And so, Shepard had become intrigued. Enamoured, if Garrus had a say in it, and if she were being honest with herself. So, Shepard began seeking out more tales of Revan with every newcomer that entered her realm. When Garrus had gifted her the mirror, it had been a stroke of the best luck. She finally got to see the woman so many had told her of. None of the descriptions had done Revan justice. If Shepard had been enamoured before, from that point on, she was downright obsessed.
Shepard sighed again, she knew she had to fix this. She needed information. Summoning her power, she disappeared into the shadows once more. Her vision darkened and when it cleared she stood in the shining halls of the gods.
Unlike the underworld, the realm of the gods was what most would expect. Dazzling, bright, and beautiful beyond compare. Shepard thought it was actually a bit gaudy, but that was just her opinion.
She began walking through the halls, using her powers to search out her target. She held in a groan as she neared. She really hated talking to him. He thought he was so much better than everyone. And the bastard refused to admit when he was wrong! Sure, Shepard knew she could be stubborn, but at least she wasn't that bad.
"Shepard?" The voice caused the goddess to pause, turning to look at the speaker, a smile spreading across her face.
"Hey Miranda."
The goddess of wisdom and beauty returned the smile easily. Her long black hair flowing down over her shoulders, her white gown sparkled in the sunlight.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice was friendly, if not a bit concerned…and maybe a touch wary. It wasn't often the goddess of death walked among the other gods.
"Oh…just got a question for Saren." Shepard rubbed the back of her neck nervously. She really didn't need anyone else finding out about her…interest. Saren would be bad enough.
"Really?" Miranda gave her a dubious look. It was well known that the two gods didn't exactly get along.
"He uh…probably knows them best." Shepard tried to be as vague as possible. She didn't enjoy lying to Miranda, the other goddess was one of her closest friends after all. But she didn't want to deal with all the teasing.
"Oh, is this about that mortal you're enamoured with?" Miranda had a knowing grin on her face.
Shepard cursed inwardly. She immediately blamed Garrus. She swore she would punch that loud mouth right in the face next time she saw him. Was it really so hard to keep that information to himself?! Dick.
"Uh…" Shepard coughed, trying to hide her embarrassment. "I just…uh…"
"Oh Shepard," Miranda chuckled softly. "It is rather endearing seeing you like this." The goddess stepped closer, hooking her arm with Shepard's, steering her in a different direction as she began walking. "But you are going to ask the wrong person."
"Huh?" Shepard looked over at her friend. Surely Saren would know all about the woman he tried to make his champion.
"Liara knows much more about your mortal."
Ah, the goddess of plots and scholars was probably a good choice. She was an odd woman. After all, plots and scholarly pursuits were two rather different fields to rule over. But Liara did it with ease. She was also another of Shepard's oldest friends. It was a massive improvement from talking to Saren.
"So, tell me of this mortal of yours." Miranda smiled her dazzling smile as they walked.
Shepard felt herself smile back without even thinking about it. She spoke of Revan with ease, of the woman's many virtues and strengths. How she was a brilliant tactician and an unrivalled warrior. But also how she had introduced many new great innovations for her people. How she was the most gorgeous mortal to ever grace existence. She may have even insinuated that Revan could give Miranda a challenge in the looks department, causing the other goddess to scoff and roll her eyes.
When they entered Liara's chambers, they found the goddess in almost the same spot she always was. Pacing around the center of the massive room, eyes roving over the walls. Technically they were walls, although they were made up of hundreds of the same mirrors that Garrus had given Shepard. Three walls were covered in the mirrors, while the fourth was filled with an impossible number of scrolls and other texts.
"Shepard, Miranda, good to see you." Liara didn't even glance away from the mirrors, although she did smile softly.
"Hey Liara, long time no see." Shepard greeted her old friend happily. She really should visit more.
"Yes, I'll try to visit more. But you know how it can be."
"That I do." Shepard chuckled in understanding. The work of a god was a busy one, and some people, like her and Liara, were busier than others.
"Shepard wants to know about Revan," Miranda said suddenly, a grin on her face.
Shepard shot the woman a dirty look, seriously thinking about smacking her. But Miranda just gave her that charming smile, completely unconcerned. Liara actually looked away from the mirrors at that, giving Shepard a grin on her own.
"The mortal you've been obsessing over?"
"I'm not obsessed!" Shepard shouted. Damn Garrus! She was so kicking him in the balls.
"Of course not." Liara maintained her grin as she spoke, her tone taking on a teasing edge. "So what did you want to know?" Her voice became much more business like. "She's certainly an interesting mortal. So you do have good taste."
Shepard sighed, rubbing her temples before finally giving in. "Okay…so…I may have been…talking to her."
"You mean teasing and trying to seduce her?" Miranda chimed in, her disarming smile never wavering.
Shepard just glared at the goddess before continuing. "Anyway, so she may have done her usual angry, trying to stab me thing." Was it messed up with Shepard didn't find that disturbing but just another thing she liked about Revan? Oh, whatever. "I figured I'd show her that her blades can't actually hurt me so I let them hit me and they broke. After that she got…really upset. But it wasn't just her usual anger or annoyance. It was different."
"That's because those swords belonged to her mother." Liara answered immediately, not even having to think about the information. "She was killed when Revan was young, a rival warlord, who had already murdered her father, attacked and killed her mother as well. The warlord wiped out Revan's entire tribe. Revan herself barely survived. She survived on her own for two years before a scouting part found her and took her in. When the same warlord declared war on Athens, Revan joined in the fighting. After the army's commander was killed, Revan took command and led them to victory. She killed the warlord and all of his people."
Well shit. Not Shepard felt like a gigantic ass. She didn't realize how special those swords were to Revan. Nor had she realized what kind of life the woman had experienced. She'd seen enough souls to know how hard it was for them to lose family. She'd seen every kind of mourning imaginable, so she had some idea on how Revan must have felt, losing her parents.
"Well at least the swords can be fixed." Miranda patted Shepard's shoulder, trying to encourage her.
"Not likely. Revan's tribe had a method of metal working that was unique to them. They forged a metal stronger than any other mortals are capable of. Since Revan was too young at the time, she doesn't know how it was done. Everyone who did possess such knowledge was killed in the attack."
Count on Liara to crush foolish hopes with her cold hard facts. Now Shepard felt even worse. However, she was already formulating a plan on how to fix this. Revan's people had a secret forging technique? Well she happened to know the greatest smith among both mortals and divines.
Revan sighed as she walked back to her quarters. She was getting restless. Negotiations with Macedonia were breaking down. She knew it would lead to war. If they would just let her lead a pre-emptive strike she could end the war with minimal bloodshed. But no, they had to 'explore all options' first. Fools. Sometimes she thought about defecting to Sparta. At least they understood war. Although their civic infrastructure was so abysmal that it made her want to cry. Or stab them all in the face.
She pushed open the door to her room, closing it quietly behind her. A few scattered torches dimly lit the room, and the moonlight shining through the large windows provided a beautiful glow. She was about to just drop into bed and try to forget the day, when a glimmer of metal caught her eye.
She turned her head, looking towards the table where she had placed the shards of her mothers swords. But instead of the shattered pieces, the blades were whole once more. Gleaming brightly in the moonlight, there was not a single nick or scratch marring their surfaces. Revan stared with wide eyes. It was impossible. She had taken the blades to every smith in the city— nobody could re-forge them.
"They're still the same," said an instantly recognizable voice.
Revan spun, her eyes locking with that of Shepard's. Although there was no usual smirk on her lips, no twinkle of mischief in her eyes. Her voice was also soft, hesitant, not the usual teasing or flirtatious tone Revan had come to know.
"The swords," Shepard said, clearing her voice. "They aren't…imbued with any godly powers that will make you stronger or anything." Shepard rubbed the back of her neck, feet shifting nervously. "I know that's important to you."
"How…?" Revan whispered. She knew Shepard was a god and all, but she wasn't exactly known to be a smith.
"Garrus, my brother. He remembers the forging techniques of your people. He says they're the first people to ever impress him. I asked him to re-forge them for you, using the same techniques."
"Why?" Revan narrowed her eyes at the goddess, but it was only half heartedly. She was thrown by the image before her. This wasn't the annoying goddess she had come to hate. This wasn't the same goddess who loved to tease and play stupid jokes on her. It most certainly wasn't the same goddess she would deny to her last breath about actually missing these past few days.
"It's my fault they broke. I didn't realize how important they were to you. I'm…I'm sorry." The goddess's tone, the look in her eyes, it left no doubt in Revan's mind. She was completely sincere.
Revan wanted to be mad, she really did. But looking into those soft green eyes, listening to the warmth and sincerity of that voice…she didn't have it in her anymore. She had…missed the goddess's presence these past few days. No matter what she had done, no matter how much she infuriated Revan, there was a part of her that enjoyed the goddess's presence. Not that she would ever admit that out loud.
"Thank you," Revan said softly. Perhaps she had misgauged the goddess. Perhaps she wasn't as arrogant as she first appeared. After all, if the goddess had simply wished to claim her, then she probably would have done so by now. She most certainly wouldn't have apologized. Maybe she had judged her all wrong.
"So, can we have make-up sex now?"
Or maybe not.
Th days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months. Shepard became an almost daily presence in Revan's life. Her teasing or attempts at seduction never stopped. Revan would always growl or utter some kind of threat, but they both knew she didn't truly mean them. The threats never reached her eyes. After a few months, she didn't even growl or threaten anymore, merely offered her stern glare.
Revan had come to appreciate the goddess's presence. She was a beacon of warmth and happiness. She was always ready with a joke, prank, or just that beaming smile of hers. She continued to play pranks on the stoic general, redecorating her room, placing statues of herself around Revan's estate. But she was also there to just talk. To be a friendly presence in Revan's life. There were even the rare occasions when Revan would open up with stories of her past. Sometimes Shepard was just there to hear the woman rant about all the stupid politicians.
Shepard had begun falling for the mortal even more. She had come to know Revan so much better than before, and her love only grew. For Shepard knew she truly did love Revan. It made her happy to just be in the stoic general's presence, to see her, to listen to her beautiful voice. Her time with Revan was the highlight of her days. Every time the mortal opened up more to her, Shepard would be glowing with happiness for days. Revan, for her part, was even a pillar of support to the goddess. Whenever another god pissed her off, or a particularly tragic soul affected her, Revan was there to listen.
They had grown close, Shepard with her unyielding love, and Revan…well Revan was growing to love the goddess herself. Their relationship had still not entered the physical realm. Revan still hadn't even admitted her affection to herself yet, at least not enough to act on it. But Shepard saw the general's affection in her actions. The way their eyes met, how she always listened with undivided attention, even if she was pretending not to. Shepard was confident her charms would win over eventually.
It was one day in the late spring, when things began to fall apart. Revan had noticed something was wrong all day. Shepard played none of her usual pranks during her meetings. Nor did she offer any teasing smirks or physical advances all day. She had been sitting motionless, watching Revan's sparring practice. Something was very wrong.
She called a halt to the practice after quickly dispatching her opponents. Then without a moment's hesitation she walked into her quarters at the barracks, knowing Shepard would follow. Seconds later the goddess appeared in her usual swirl of shadows, but even that seemed to lack its usual flair.
"What's wrong?" Revan said, not willing to waste time. Something was deeply bothering Shepard and she would get the bottom of it and kill whoever was responsible.
The goddess would not meet her eyes, they shifted around the room before fixing on the floor. The silence was thick between them, but Revan would wait as long as it took.
"I can't come here any more," Shepard said, her voice low and defeated. Something Revan had never heard from the goddess before.
"What?" She didn't understand, was Shepard trying to leave her? Not that they were together or anything.
"The other gods are…upset, with how often I have been manifesting here."
"Fuck the other gods," Revan spat. Those jealous little pricks could eat dirt for all she cared. Shepard was the goddess of death, they couldn't make her do anything.
"Believe me, if it were just one or two then I would say the same thing." Shepard sighed heavily, leaning against the table. The candle light flickered across her porcelain skin. "But pretty much the only one on my side any more is Garrus."
"What's so wrong with what you're doing?" Revan didn't get the issue. It's not like Shepard was neglecting her duties or anything. Sometimes she went days without showing up because her duties demanded it.
"Directly interfering in a mortal's life is…frowned upon. Sure, we can choose a champion and give them powers, but that's it. After that we are supposed to keep our distance."
"That's bullshit! Are you saying all the stories of the all the meddling gods do are false?" Revan couldn't believe thee arrogance and hypocrisy of these pricks. She was going to gut them all.
"No but…I'm in a unique position. I control death. They are worried I show you too much favour and would prevent your death, should it ever arise."
Revan didn't respond to that. She didn't quite know how. Her instinct told her that she would never let Shepard do that. But if her death came before her time, before she had finished all she had set out to do…she may just take that offer. But would Shepard even extend it?
"Would you?" Revan finally asked, her voice low.
"I don't know," Shepard whispered, finally looking up. Their eyes met and Revan couldn't look away from those beautiful emerald pools. "It's the natural order, I'm duty bound to carry it out. Also…" She paused, looking down, almost guiltily. "We could be together then, forever." When she looked back up her eyes were shinning.
Revan swallowed thickly. She had thought of that before. Many times in fact. She wasn't totally unaware of her own feelings. After all their time together, her feelings for the goddess had grown. Revan knew she loved her. But she had never admitted it. Hell, she had never even responded to any of Shepard's advances. Part of her wanted it, she wanted it so badly. But she didn't know if she was ready for that. She didn't know what it would mean. She was mortal, bound to grow old and die. Shepard was a goddess. But she was also the goddess of death. When Revan died…they could be together.
"But I also know what you want to accomplish in life." Shepard continued, glancing away again. "And I believe in what you want to accomplish. If anyone could do it, it's you." She looked back over, a small smile finally settling on her lips. "There has never been a more capable being, mortal or divine."
Revan found herself returning the smile without thinking. She swelled, not only with pride, but with a warmth she only ever felt with Shepard.
"And that is what worries the gods," Shepard sighed again. "So, they made…a new rule. I can only enter the mortal realm once a year."
"How about we just kill all the fuckers instead?" It seemed like a much better alternative. Revan would do anything to avoid losing Shepard.
Shepard laughed, that wonderful, genuine laugh at hers that could make the heavens sing. "I wish. I could take two at a time probably, but not all the ones who are backing this rule. I was lucky to talk them down to a year. Saren wanted it to be for eternity."
"Prick."
"I know," Shepard grinned, letting out a soft chuckle. After a moment, her look became serious again. "Look, Revan…I know we…I…" The goddess sighed again. "I don't expect you to wait fo—"
Revan didn't let the rambling goddess continue. She threw herself forward, eliminating all distance between them. She pressed her lips firmly against the goddess's own divine ones. Her left arm wrapped around Shepard's waist, pulling their bodies flush together, while the other tangled in her fiery mane. She heard the goddess moan into the kiss, it was the most amazing sound in all creation.
After one of the most glorious moments of her life, Revan pulled back, looking directly into the eyes of the now heavily breathing goddess. Shepard's cheeks were flushed, her eyes suddenly hazy with lust.
"I'll wait for eternity," Revan said, her voice firm and unwavering. "I love you, and nothing can ever get in the way of that. Not even the other asshole gods."
They stared into each others eyes, emeralds meeting gleaming steel. Shepard's hand slowly came up to rest on Revan's cheek, a smile spreading across her divine lips. "I love you," she whispered.
Revan smiled back, spinning them and pushing Shepard gently down onto the bed. She moved atop the goddess, still smiling down. That smile slowly morphed into a smirk that Shepard had never seen before. It was a smirk that would make any god's legs shake and cause them to be overcome with desire. Revan leaned down, that smirk still on her lips as she placed them next to the goddess's ear and whispered.
"I know."
From that day on, the two would be parted for an entire year. Each yearning after the other, but remaining strong. Revan would think of the goddess whenever she was feeling down or alone with her thoughts. She knew Shepard was watching her and that always put a smile on her face.
Shepard went about her duties as diligently as always. Every free moment was spent gazing into her mirror, which she had now moved to her private quarters. It turns out Revan wasn't above teasing herself, and the mortal always seemed to have an uncanny ability to know when she was being watched.
It wasn't easy, for either of them. But they forged on, never wavering in their love. Once a year Shepard could enter the mortal realm. For an entire day they would speak, make love, and bask in each others presence. Those days served to renew their strength to continue on for another year.
They proceeded in that fashion for seven years. In that time Revan's fame had grown. She had the unwavering support of not only the army, but of the common people as well. She had championed many new rights and innovations. Under her leadership, the army had conquered vast new lands, turning Athens into a mighty empire.
Revan was paramount in instituting chances to the economy which ensured its continued stability, even when the conquests halted. They would not be a plunder based economy. Her reforms had made the new empire strong, poised to take over the world. With a clear line of successors chosen andtrained , Revan had covered all her angles. All that was left was to install herself in power.
With her growing fame and power she had been able to convince the ruling council to follow her plans for conquest. Now the time had finally come to remove them completely. They were stuck in the past, always opposing her new ideas or innovations or policies. She was tired of old men trying to hold her and the empire back.
Her plan was set, she would kill them all in a single strike. It was ruthless, but she couldn't afford to leave any alive. They would only betray her later. She needed them gone now, so she could move onto her conquest of Sparta. The cowards feared the military state and would never authorize a strike. But Revan knew they would triumph over those arrogant fools. The campaign was already planned and would commence the moment the council was gone.
Revan sat at her desk, overlooking the plans one last time. Once Sparta's army was defeated, taking over the city would be simple. The helot's were ready to revolt. They vastly outnumbered their Spartan masters. Without them, the Spartans had no economy, no way to support themselves. A single bloody battle and the war would be over.
Satisfied, Revan rose from her desk. She had a busy day tomorrow. Everything would begin once the sun rose. But she hadn't even made it two steps when her door burst open, revealing two figures dressed in black, wielding bloodied short swords. Down the hallway Revan could see a dozen figures, these heavily armed and armoured, running down the hallway towards her room. They weren't coming to help her. Looks like the council wasn't totally inept after all.
The two black clad figures rushed her. Revan grabbed the swords from her desk, spinning to avoid both attacks. Her blades lashed out, one finding a throat and the other piercing a heart. The two assassins fell in a fountain of their own blood. By now the more heavily armed soldiers had arrived. Revan knew exactly who they were. Spartans. So much for them not having any fear of open battle. Fucking cowards.
Shepard stood rigid in front of the mirror, eyes unblinking as she watched the horror unfold. Revan fought with a greater ferocity than she ever had. But she was surrounded, unarmoured, and facing highly trained and heavily armoured opponents. Many of them fell, but for each one she killed, Revan suffered.
Shepard was shaking with rage. How dare these cowards attack Revan this way! She would make sure each of them suffered an eternity of torment in Tartarus! Each one present, all those responsible, would never know the peace of death. She would flay their souls until the end of time!
She heard herself cry out when Revan staggered, a spear driven into her side. But she was too strong to fall, and she removed the attackers head before killing another of his companions. Tears fell down Shepard's cheeks when she saw Revan cut down the last of her attackers, only to fall to her knees. Blood poured from her wounds, the life flowing from her as she tried to drag herself to safety. Shepard couldn't take it any more, fuck the consequences.
"Fuck." Revan could feel herself dying. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. She had been so close. So close to making the empire stronger, able to withstand all those who would seek to harm it.
"Fuck!" She groaned loudly, slipping and falling in her own blood. She tried to rise, but her arms wouldn't move. She couldn't feel her legs. It was so damn cold.
Suddenly she felt warm, and warm arms wrapped around her, turning her over. She looked up into those emerald eyes she loved so much. Eyes she could get lost in. Shepard gazed down at her, tears streaming down her cheeks. Revan knew without a doubt she was dying. But at least they could be together now. That was something. She smiled softly up at her love. This wasn't so bad.
Shepard smiled back at her, tears still rolling down her soft skin. "It's not your time yet," she whispered, voice shaky with emotion. She placed her warm soft hand on Revan's skin and then the general saw only blackness.
Revan had woken up that next morning completely healed. She had known what Shepard had done, and she had called out to her, begged her to show herself. But instead, she was visited by the god Garrus. He told her how Shepard was now forbidden from ever entering the mortal realm. Were she ever to try again, the gods would destroy her. But he had also sent her love, telling Revan that she would always be watching.
It was then that Revan knew what she had to do. First, she carried out her coup. That same morning, she slaughtered the entire council. The people had been shocked at first, but when they learned of the assassination attempt Revan had their full support. The council had unwittingly helped her take over.
Once she was firmly in command, she saw to the Spartan cowards. The war was over with brutal efficiency. The mighty Spartan army was crushed in a single, bloody battle. Thousands died on both sides, but in the end, Revan stood triumphant. When she reached the city of Sparta, the helots revolted, welcoming her with open arms. Within hours, the city was firmly under her control.
Once Sparta was crushed, Revan made sure everything was in place. Her successors were carefully chosen and the empire was capable of sustaining itself. She looked back over the city of Athens, knowing that everything was in place. Her work was done.
In a small wood, not far from the city, she called out to the god, Garrus. She was a bit surprised at how quickly he answered her call, but maybe he was simply watching over her as a favour to Shepard.
"How do I get to the underworld?" Revan asked the moment the god appeared.
"Die," Garrus answered with a chuckle.
"I know there must be an entrance somewhere. Tell me how to find it." Revan kept her tone hard, she would get her answers.
"Why?" The god crossed his arms, giving her a skeptical look.
"You know why."
"You can't come and go as you please. The gods won't allow it."
"I know." Revan glared at the god, she wasn't an idiot. "Just…trust me. Please."
"Do you have any kind of idea the beasts that guard the entrance? You'll die, Shepard will stop you and if she does that…"
"Then make sure she doesn't know what I'm doing."
Silence stretched between the two of them. Revan glaring at the god, while Garrus looked deep in thought. Finally he sighed and stretched out his hand, a small feather resting in his palm.
"Take this. It will hide you from all divine sight."
"Thank you," Revan said, taking the feather and tucking it securely in her bracer. "Now where is the entrance?"
Shepard smiled softly as she watched the party continue. It truly did warm her heart to see all the happy souls. Even if she couldn't be among them. She tried, she really did, but it was so hard. She could never be with Revan again, not until the woman died. And that would not be for many years still.
She didn't regret her actions, not for a second. Just as she thought, Revan had go on to continue making her dreams a reality. Shepard knew the woman would do great and wonderful things.
Her current distress came from not being able to see Revan in the mirror. She'd been unable to locate the woman for days now, and she was becoming worried. Garrus had told her something must be wrong with the mirror and he would try to fix it. But he did assure her that Revan was safe. That had eased Shepard's worry, but she still missed seeing Revan.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she almost didn't notice the sudden silence that had fallen over the party. Shepard lifted her head from her hand, looking across the room to where everyone's eyes fell. Her breath caught in her throat.
There, at the entrance to the grand ballroom, stood Revan. But she was…alive. Shepard could still sense her life. But it was Revan. She was covered in cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Her left arm was held at an awkward angle, a cut above her brow trickled blood down her face. But she was smirking that devilish smirk of hers.
Shepard crossed the room in a flash, still unable to believe her eyes. They were only a hairsbreadth away. She could feel the heat radiating off the woman. As she always did, she got lost in those pools of silver.
Without saying a word, Revan reached forward, plucking a pear from the table, she brought it to her lips. Shepard's hand shot out, stopping Revan.
"Stop," she whispered. "You can't eat anything here. You'll never be able to go back."
Revan smiled, that rare smile that Shepard dreamed about. "I know." She brought the pear to her lips and took a bite.
From that day forth, there were two rulers of the underworld.
